Hinged roof vent for attic

ABSTRACT

A hinged roof vent panel is provided which includes a combination of hinged ridges that allow the panel to be cut and folded to form an insulation block which inhibits the flow of loosefill insulation which may block soffit vents and which provides suitable ventilation to inhibit condensation during cold periods and to allow acceptable airflow during warm periods. The vent panel is typically thermoformed from a thin sheet of extruded polystyrene foam into the shape described and claimed. The panel is relatively planar and stackable so that a large number of panels may be packaged together for shipping.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a panel for use as a roof vent, and more particularly, to a hinged vent panel for use on a sloping roof to allow for attic ventilation and to inhibit the flow of insulation out of an attic area into the soffit of a structure to block a soffit attic vent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Homes and commercial buildings with sloped or pitched roofs typically include an open, unheated attic. The area of the attic is typically insulated by a layer of fibrous insulation, for example, loosefill fiberglass, batts or rolls of fiberglass insulation, or other insulation materials such as cellulose, mineral wool. Building codes often require that an unheated attic be vented to release heat and moisture that may otherwise build up. Often the vents are positioned in the soffit at the eaves of the house to allow airflow from the soffit vents to the peak vents. Due to the position of the soffit vents, heat loss at the eaves may occur and with freezing and thawing temperatures, ice dams may form at the eaves, thereby causing roof leaks usually in the coldest of weather. In the summer, improper ventilation of the attic causes heat to buildup within the attic, which will increase the temperature within the structure. An unvented attic may also permit humidity to condense on the underside of the roof during winter. In addition, a roof vent also may create an uninsulated space between the insulation and the underside of the roof to prevent unwanted condensation.

To achieve such venting, a wide variety of sheet-like products have been used which are fastened to the underside of the roof between the rafters. Some of these products include flanges that provide ease of fastening and a spaced or offset wall forming open troughs extending end-to-end. It has been found that such products when made from an extruded foam polystyrene sheet have excellent break resistance and resist moisture so they will not rot or deteriorate. Generally, extruded polystyrene has greater strength than simply expanded polystyrene such as bead board or sheet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,612 discloses a baffle vent that is positioned against the underside of a roof to allow air-flow from the soffit vent over the interior surface of the roof. The baffle vent is described as an elongated self-supporting unitary structure of sheet-like material having a generally channel-shaped cross-section defining longitudinal sidewalls joined by a bottom wall. The baffle vent includes flanges that project from the top edges of the sidewalls to facilitate the attachment of the baffle vent to the underside of the roof. A triangular cross-sectional longitudinal reinforcing rib in the bottom wall runs along the length of the baffle vent to resist a collapse of the baffle vent if subjected to external forces such as from roof insulation. The narrow apex of the triangular cross-sectional longitudinal reinforcing rib prevents the use of staples or other fastener within the channel.

It has also been found that a hinged roof vent will allow venting of an open attic space to the soffit vent and serves as a dam to inhibit loose fill insulation from blocking airflow from the soffit vents to the hinged vent chute. U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,991 discloses a hinged vent chute that includes an elongated chute segment and an insulation darn segment. The vent or air passage from the soffit to the open attic space is provided by one or more upwardly open channels extending from a lower end to an upper end of the elongated chute segment. The air passes through the channel(s) and over an interior surface of the roof from the soffit region of the roof and up into the open attic space beneath the roof. The hinged vent chute has a hinge or fold line which joins the insulation dam segment to the elongated chute segment. The hinge or fold line permits the insulation dam segment to be folded or bent downward at the hinge or fold line relative to the elongated chute segment and secured in place to form an insulation dam which prevents loose fill insulation in an attic from flowing down into a soffit region of a roof and blocking airflow. The hinged roof vent of U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,991 includes at least two hinges and cut-lines which must be manipulated by the installer. The number of steps required to install the hinged roof vent increases the cost of installation. In addition, the complexity of the vent increases production costs such as the cost of manufacturing the mold for forming the vent. Further, the shape of the hinge also allows more air to flow through the vent than is necessary and allows loosefill insulation to escape from the attic and block the soffit vents.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a hinged roof vent that allows a suitable amount of air to circulate through the attic while providing venting. It is also useful to have a hinged roof vent that provides structural integrity when compressed by the installation of insulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hinged roof vent panel for use at the eaves of a building structure is disclosed. The hinged panel includes flanges that have a hinge, walls raised from the lateral flanges and insulation blocking walls raised from above the flanges by the walls to form ventilation troughs. Each insulation blocking wall includes a hinge and a cut marking line and the cut marking line separates the insulation blocking wall into an insulation damn and a vent portion. In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge is positioned on the insulation damn portion. In another embodiment, gussets and/or saddles may be formed along the lateral walls. In yet another embodiment, the roof vent includes a number insulation blocking walls with a base positioned between the insulation blocking walls. The base preferably includes a perforation that allows the panel to be divided without the use of a cutting tool. In yet another embodiment, a trapezoidal ridge extends substantially the length of the panel. The trapezoidal ridge includes a land that is level with the insulation blocking wall. Preferably, the base of the trapezoidal ridge is sized to allow the use of an air-nailer or stapler to secure the panel to the roof deck. Preferably, the hinged roof vent panel is formed of an extruded foam polystyrene sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a roof vent panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a roof vent panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a roof vent panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric top view of a roof vent panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which has been cut and folded and is ready for insertion into an attic;

FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view of a roof vent panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which has been cut and folded and is ready for insertion into an attic;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a roof structure, partially cut away, incorporating a roof vent panel of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A hinged roof vent panel is provided which includes a combination of hinged ridges that allow the panel to be cut and folded to form an insulation block. The insulation block inhibits the flow of loosefill insulation which may block soffit vents and which provides suitable ventilation to inhibit condensation during cold periods and to allow acceptable airflow during warm periods. The vent panel may be thermoformed from a thin sheet of extruded polystyrene foam into the shape described and claimed herein. The panel is relatively planar and stackable so that a large number of panels may be packaged together for shipping.

As shown in FIG. 1, a hinged roof vent panel 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is formed with edge flanges 12 and sloping lateral walls 14 which extend upwardly to offset insulation blocking segments 18 that are positioned parallel to but raised from flanges 12 and bases 20 of trapezoidal ridges 16 and 16′. Next to the offset insulation blocking segments 18 is a central trapezoidal ridge shown generally at 16, which extends from one end of panel 10 to the opposite end. The base 20 at the center of the panel 10 may optionally include a perforation 22 to allow the panel 10 to be divided into two parts without the use of a cutting tool.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the panel 10 includes a series of cut-lines 24, 24′ and fold-lines 26, 26′ to allow the panel 10 to be cut and folded into a hinged panel that includes an insulation/air-block portion 28, a rafter vent portion 30 and a flange portion 32 (as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). When installed in an attic cavity (shown in FIG. 5), the vent 10 is placed between rafters 80 and adjacent roof deck 82. The rafter vent portion 30 is fixed to the roof deck 82 and the insulation/air-block portion 28 contacts a top plate 84 to inhibit the flow of insulation 92 that may block a soffit vent (not shown) outside sheathing 94. The flange portion 32 extends outwardly to inhibit the flow of air and/or insulation 92. The panel 10 may be secured to the roof deck 82 with a single line of staples 94 through the base 20 of trapezoidal ridges 16. A single line of staples 94 along a central trapezoidal ridge 20 provides improved installation speed when compared to double line of staples on the flanges of the panels of the prior art.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cut-lines 32, 32′ may be positioned on the insulation/air-block 28 side of the fold lines 26, 26′ so that flange portion 32 remains attached to the rafter vent portion 30. During construction, a panel 10 while flat is cut along cut-lines 24, 24′, and the insulation/air-block 28 is bent upwardly to provide the desired angular shape for installation. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a hinged roof vent that has been bent to conform to the angle of the roof and which has the flange portion extending from the panel 10. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the flange portion 32 extends inwardly to provide improved blockage of blown-in insulation 92. As shown in FIG. 5 the flange portion 32 extends outwardly to provide improved wind screening.

Alternative structures in accordance with the present invention are available. As shown in FIG. 2, the number of required cuts may be reduced by providing a land 150 along the length of trapezoidal ridges 116 at the position of the cut-line 124. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the panel 110 includes edge flanges 112 and sloping lateral walls 114 that extend upwardly to offset insulation blocking segments 118 that are parallel to but raised from flanges 112 and the bases 120 of trapezoidal ridges 116 and 116′. Next to the offset insulation blocking segments 118 is a central trapezoidal ridge shown generally at 116′ which extends from substantially the length of the panel. At the end of each trapezoidal ridge 116 is a trapezoidal ramped section 140. The base 120 at the center of the panel 110 may optionally include a perforation 122 to allow the panel 110 to be divided into two parts without the use of a cutting tool.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the panel 110 also includes a series of cut-lines 124, 124′ and fold-lines 126, 126′ to allow the panel 110 to be cut and folded into a hinged panel that includes an insulation/air-block portion, rafter vent portion and a flange portion. The panel 110 may optionally include gussets 142 along the length of the sloping lateral walls 124. Gussets 142 provide increased strength to inhibit crushing of the panel due to the force of insulation 92. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the installer may secure the panel 110 to the roof deck 82 with a single line of staples 94 positioned in the base of the trapezoidal ridge 116.

Yet another alternative structure in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 2A, in which the panel 210 includes edge flanges 212 and sloping lateral walls 214 that extend upwardly to offset insulation blocking segments 218, parallel to and raised from flanges 112 and the bases 120 of trapezoidal ridge 216′. The base 220 at the center of the panel 210 may optionally include a perforation 222 to allow the panel to be divided into two parts without the use of a cutting tool.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the panel 210 includes a series of cut-lines 224, 224′ and fold-lines 226, 226′ to allow the panel 210 to be cut and folded into a hinged panel that includes an insulation/air-block portion, rafter vent portion and a flange portion. The panel 210 may optionally include gussets 242 and saddles 244 along the length of the sloping lateral walls 214. Gussets 242 and saddles 244 provide increased strength to inhibit crushing of the panel due to the force of insulation 92.

The invention of this application has been described above both generically and with regard to specific embodiments. Although the invention has been set forth in what is believed to be the preferred embodiments, a wide variety of alternatives known to those of skill in the art can be selected within the generic disclosure. The invention is not otherwise limited, except for the recitation of the claims set forth below. 

1. A hinged roof vent panel, comprising: an elongated panel including: lateral flanges, each of said lateral flanges including a hinge; lateral walls formed in said elongate panel extending from said lateral flanges; and an insulation blocking wall spaced from said lateral flanges by said lateral walls and forming a ventilation trough, said insulation blocking wall including a hinge and a marking line for designating a cutting line, said cutting line being positioned on said insulation blocking wall to separate said insulation blocking wall into a insulation damn portion and a vent portion and said hinge being positioned on said insulation damn potion.
 2. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: at least one generally trapezoidal ridge extending the length of said panel, said trapezoidal ridge having a rectilinear base offset from said insulation blocking wall and open from one end of the vent panel to the other.
 3. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: at least one gusset formed along said lateral walls.
 4. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: at least one saddle formed along said insulation blocking wall.
 5. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of gussets formed along said lateral walls; and a plurality of saddles formed along said insulation blocking wall.
 6. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of gussets formed along said lateral walls; and a plurality of saddles formed along said insulation blocking wall, said saddles being adjacent said gussets.
 7. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: a base between said insulation blocking walls; and a perforation in said base to allow the elongate panel to be divided without the use of a cutting tool.
 8. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, further comprising: at least one generally trapezoidal ridge extending substantially the length of said panel, said trapezoidal ridge having at least one land formed therein, said land being level with said insulation blocking wall.
 9. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 8, further comprising: a rectilinear base in said trapezoidal ridge offset from said insulation blocking wall and open from one end of the vent panel to the other.
 10. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 1, wherein said elongated panel is formed of an extruded foam polystyrene sheet.
 11. A hinged roof vent panel, comprising: an elongated panel including: lateral flanges, each of said lateral flanges including a hinge, lateral walls formed in said elongate panel extending from said lateral flanges; and a plurality of insulation blocking walls spaced from said flanges by said lateral walls and forming a plurality of ventilation troughs; wherein each of said insulation blocking walls includes a hinge and a marking line for designating a cutting line, said cutting line being positioned on said insulation blocking wall to separate said insulation blocking wall into a insulation damn portion and a vent portion and said hinge being positioned on said insulation damn potion.
 12. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 11, further comprising: at least one gusset formed along said lateral walls.
 13. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 11, further comprising: at least one saddle formed along said insulation blocking walls.
 14. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of gussets formed along said lateral walls; and a plurality of saddles formed along said insulation blocking walls, said saddles being adjacent said gussets.
 15. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 11, further comprising: a base between said insulation blocking walls; and a perforation in said base to allow the elongate panel to be divided without the use of a cutting tool.
 16. A hinged roof vent panel, comprising: an elongated panel including: lateral flanges, each of said lateral flanges including a hinge, lateral walls formed in said elongate panel extending from said lateral flanges; and a plurality of insulation blocking wall, each being spaced from said lateral flanges by said lateral walls and forming a plurality of ventilation troughs; and at least one generally trapezoidal ridge extending substantially the length of each of said insulation blocking walls, said trapezoidal ridge having at least one land formed therein, said land being level with said insulation blocking wall; wherein each of said insulation blocking walls includes a hinge and a marking line for designating a cutting line, said cutting line being positioned on said insulation blocking wall to separate said insulation blocking wall into a insulation damn portion and a vent portion and said hinge being positioned on said insulation damn potion.
 17. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 16, further comprising: at least one gusset formed along said lateral walls.
 18. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 16, further comprising: at least one saddle formed along said insulation blocking walls.
 19. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 16, further comprising: a plurality of gussets formed along said lateral walls; and a plurality of saddles formed along said insulation blocking walls, said saddles being adjacent said gussets.
 20. The hinged roof vent panel of claim 16, further comprising: a base between said insulation blocking walls; and a perforation in said base to allow the elongate panel to be divided without the use of a cutting tool. 